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Repent before LGBTQI+ Bill becomes law-Prophet advises practitioners
Prophet Ansah and the chiefs after the launch
The Vice Chairman of the Papaase Area Local Council of Churches, Prophet Owusu Ansah, has urged persons engaged in LGBTQI+ activities to have a change of heart and repent before the passage of the LGBTQI+Bill into law.
The Bill which is currently at the consideration stage before Parliament, when passed would criminalise such activities as well as prevent its promotion and advocacy.
He said, by this understanding, there is no place for them anymore in the Ghanaian society to engage in such acts hence the call on them to repent and conform to the norms, cultural and religious values of the Ghanaian society.
Prophet Ansah who is also the General Overseer of the Christ on Top International Church (COTIC) made the call at the launch of his 25th anniversary of pastoral work at Papaase in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region on Sunday.
The year-long anniversary would kick-start with activities including general cleaning, free medical screening, community engagements, sports activities and Bible competitions among churches in the area.
He indicated those engaged in the LGBTQI+ activities must be helped to see the light of God and turn a new leaf for the betterment of their own future.
Religiously, he said since it was also against the moral teachings of both the Bible and the Quran, the perpetuators must be aware that the wrath of God would descend heavily on them not only in the court room but also on the judgment day.
Prophet Ansah said the youth must not be left in the hands of their peers, but rather people with integrity to serve as mentors or role models.
The country, he explained has gone far on its democratisation process, adding that, this was not the time to waste the country’s scarce resources on people who have refused to accept wisdom, adding “We do not need such acts in the country; the church is fully behind the law makers for quick passage of the law.”
The General Overseer commended the chiefs and people of the area for the support and pledged to further cement that bond for the socio-economic development of the area.
Very Reverend Gideon Boakye in his sermon charged the congregation not to create problems for their pastors but rather submit, support and also offer specific prayers.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
News
113 Cardinals hold 3rd General Congregation in Rome
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
The Cardinals decided that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, instead of Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and that Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave, whose starting date has not yet been decided.
The Cardinals began a conversation about the Church and the world, deciding to hold the next General Congregation on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that 61,000 people have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis as of 1:00 PM on Thursday, adding that St. Peter’s Basilica should close at midnight on Thursday, unless large crowds are still queuing to enter.
Following the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, a Rosary will be held in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Mr. Bruni said the burial service for Pope Francis will take place in private.
Starting the morning of Sunday, April 27, the faithful may begin to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
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GEXIM deepens relations with US EXIM Bank
A management team of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) led by the Acting Chief Executive, Sylvester Mensah met with the leadership of the Export–Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) on Wednesday April 23, 2025 in Washington DC, United States of America.
The Acting President and Chairman of US EXIM, Mr. James C. Cruse and Vice President, International Relations, Ms. Isabel Galdiz received the GEXIM delegation, which included Deputy CEO for Banking, Mr. Moses Klu Mensah and Head of International Cooperation, Mr. Jonathan Christopher Koney at the headquarters of US EXIM.
The meeting offered the GEXIM team the opportunity to share the strategic direction of the Bank in line with the resetting agenda of the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the repositioning of the Ghanaian economy into an export-led one by providing the requisite investment to Ghanaian businesses.
Mr. James C. Cruse expressed US EXIM’s eagerness to deepen its existing relations with GEXIM and proposed the signing of a new Cooperative Framework Agreement following the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 to utilize US EXIM’s medium term loan guarantees to procure machinery by GEXIM for qualified Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Mr.Sylvester Mensah thanked the Acting President and Chairman of US EXIM for hosting the GEXIM delegation and reaffirmed the Ghanaian government’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment between Ghana and its global partners for economic transformation of Ghana with GEXIM playing a pivotal role.
The two teams will be meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 US EXIM Annual Conference on 29th and April 30, 2025 to explore possible areas of collaboration and matching Ghanaian businesses to American companies. The meeting ended with an exchange of gifts.
